Rescue at the last minute: Schönau Monastery is threatened with extinction!

Rescue at the last minute: Schönau Monastery is threatened with extinction!

The Schönau Monastery in Gemünden am Main is facing a decisive turning point, as the historic building is threatened with closure. According to the FAZ The last survivors of the monastery depend on a priest from the “Oblates of St. Joseph” and two Franciscan Minorites to make rescue possible. The support group, which is committed to preserving the monastery, hopes for biblical miracles.

The Schönau Monastery was founded in 1189 and originally came into being as a Cistercian monastery. It was founded by Philipp von Thüngen zu Heßlar, supported by Bishop Gottfried von Pisemberg. The monastery experienced a heyday when the Count's House of Rieneck sent unmarried daughters to the monastery. However, this heyday ended abruptly when the monastery died out in 1559 and was abandoned in 1564 Wikipedia reported.

Cultural heritage and renovation

In 1699 the monastery was revived by the Franciscan Minorites, who began a new building. Particularly noteworthy are the relics of Saints Victor and Antonin, who helped the monastery gain a foothold as a place of pilgrimage. Despite much looting, such as during the Peasants' War and the Second Margrave's War, large parts of the baroque furnishings have been preserved to this day. The most recent renovations meant that the historic monastery church with its high altar from 1708 is an impressive testimony to Baroque art.

Another part of the cultural heritage is the interesting continuation of the monastery chronicle, which offers historians insights into the building history and the original plans. Nevertheless, the clear future of the monastery is uncertain.

Public events and hiking offers

The Schönau Monastery continues to offer pastoral care and a number of public events. Gemünden, the area surrounding the monastery, is known for the annual festival at Rieneck Castle, which lasts until mid-August. The region is also attractive for active hikers, as the five-kilometer-long “Nonnenpfad” leads through the picturesque landscape. Hikers can explore the path through forests and over meters of altitude, which puts nature and the historically influenced environment in the right light.

Gemünden itself, a charming little town located at the confluence of the Main, Saale and Sinn, also attracts visitors with sights such as the late Gothic parish church of St. Peter and Paul, the old city wall and the Scherenburg.

The current opening hours of the open-air games are until August 16th, although the castle and the museum have different times. The good rail connection makes Gemünden an accessible destination, while motorways are in the wider area.